WARSAW, N.Y., May 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISI) announced today that Donald K. Boswell has been nominated for election as a member of the Board of Directors at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. He will serve as an independent director.

“We are very pleased to nominate Don Boswell to our Board,” said Robert N. Latella, Chairman. “He is the leader of an important Western New York organization and actively involved in many important causes in the region. We will benefit from his knowledge of the community and believe he will help us identify and execute growth opportunities. He also brings meaningful bank board experience as a result of his past service on the board of HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

“Don’s appointment highlights our commitment to board refreshment and attracting experienced and diverse professionals to our board. He represents the fourth new board member nominated over the course of the past three years, and we welcome the knowledge and fresh perspective that he will bring to our Board.”

“Financial Institutions, Inc. is a respected organization with a well-defined strategic plan,” commented Mr. Boswell. “I welcome the opportunity to help the Company execute this strategy and increase shareholder value. It is especially rewarding to be joining the board of a company that is building and growing in my hometown of Buffalo.”

President and Chief Executive Officer Martin K. Birmingham added, “Don is an influential senior leader in Buffalo, one of our primary growth areas, and we can benefit from his experience and relationships. He has gained extensive governance experience through decades of service as a board member for numerous not-for-profit organizations and private companies. His strong governance background, senior leadership experience, and commitment to serving the communities in which we operate are all attributes we seek in our board members.”

Mr. Boswell is currently President and CEO of the Western New York Public Broadcasting Association (WNED-TV/AM/FM). He is a public broadcasting veteran and held positions with North Texas Public Broadcasting Inc. in Dallas, KCTS in Seattle, and WVIA-TV/FM in Pittston, Pennsylvania prior to joining WNED in 1998.

Mr. Boswell has a long history of community service and currently serves on the following not-for-profit boards: AAA of Central and Western New York, Inc; American Friends for the Art Gallery of Ontario; Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau; 43 x 79 Group; and HealthNow New York, Inc.

He also serves as Vice Chair of the PBS board and Vice Chair of the PBS Nominating & Corporate Governance committee. He is a member of the PBS Executive, Finance and Diversity Advisory committees and the Investment Subcommittee, and is on the PBS Foundation Board and the Foundation Endowment Fund Committee. Mr. Boswell also serves on the board for New Era Cap Company.

Mr. Boswell holds bachelor and masters degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a Management Development Certificate from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. He is a five-time Emmy Award winner and the recipient of numerous PBS professional awards.

Mr. John E. Benjamin has informed the Board that he will not stand for re-election at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Mr. Benjamin has served as a member of the Company’s Board since 2002 and will retire immediately prior to the Annual Meeting, which will be held on June 21, 2017.

Mr. Birmingham stated, “On behalf of the entire Board and all of our associates, we would like to thank Jack for his significant contributions as a board member, Past Chairman and Past Vice Chairman of Financial Institutions, Inc. and Five Star Bank. We would also like to thank him for his service as Interim CEO in 2012-2013, when he provided leadership and support to the management team during a period of transition. We wish Jack all the best in the future.”

About Financial Institutions, Inc. Financial Institutions, Inc. provides diversified financial services through its subsidiaries Five Star Bank, Scott Danahy Naylon and Courier Capital. Five Star Bank provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through a network of more than 50 offices and 60 ATMs throughout Western and Central New York State. Scott Danahy Naylon provides a broad range of insurance services to personal and business clients across 45 states. Courier Capital provides customized investment management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans. Financial Institutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ approximately 650 individuals. The Company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol FISI. Additional information is available at www.fiiwarsaw.com.

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